Evelyn Mason Wells: Be Encouraged, to Encourage
Let all that you do be done with love.
~1 Corinthians 16:14 NKJV
“You did a great job with your presentation.”
“How beautiful your house is, all decorated for the Christmas!”
“Wow! Dinner is delicious. You’re a great cook.”
“Thank you so much for your visit. It brightened my day.”
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
~1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV
We all love to feel appreciated by others. Kind words encourage us, and can make our day; we walk away with a spring in our step and a smile on our face. We have been affirmed. When someone speaks words of affirmation to me, my spirit is lifted and, because of this, I find myself looking for opportunities to affirm and encourage others.
In the Bible, God gives us a mandate to encourage one another. The Greek word for “encourage” is parakaleo, and it appears more than 100 times in the New Testament. While speaking kind words to others can lift their spirits, why not look for different ways in which you can be an encourager? I am sure you can add to those I’ve listed below:
- Smile and speak to the person behind you in the grocery line.
- In heavy traffic, let a car merge in front of you.
- Sit with a visitor in church.
- Take a hand-picked bouquet to a family member or friend who is going through a difficult time.
- Send cards for birthdays, Christmas, Easter, and other special occasions. Or better yet, send a handwritten note.
- Volunteer in a food bank.
- Smile at those you meet on the street or in a hallway.
One of the greatest encouragers in the New Testament was Paul. Part of his ministry was writing letters to the churches, many times while he was in prison, so he could encourage believers in their walk with the Lord.
Likewise, encouragement is necessary to our faith-walk. When we encourage others, we give hope. This helps them through times of conflict or illness, and encouragement nurtures kindness. Even in church we find those who desperately need to be encouraged. We may need encouragement, ourselves. If we can encourage at least one person daily, that act of kindness may very well change that person’s life for eternity. Let’s set this as our goal.
Who do you plan on encouraging today?
Heavenly Father, I ask for Your discernment, grace and love as You show me how to encourage others.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Genre: Non-fiction
Copyright 2019: Be Encouraged, to Encourage: Evelyn Mason Wells: All Rights Reserved